Two of the best defenses in the country will do battle in this game as the Penn State Nittany Lions (7-4) take on the Michigan State Spartans (10-1). The Big 10’s leading passer, Connor Cook (2,482 yards, 21 TDs), and the second-leading receiver, Chris Godwin (859 yards, 3 TDs), will be featured in this game. Penn State comes into this game hoping to right the course. While the Nittany Lions have had their moments this season, recent weeks have been dismal, with the team losing three straight. The game will air Saturday, Nov 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
In last week’s matchup, Michigan State got a close victory over Ohio State 17-14. Aaron Burbridge had a good performance in the victory, pulling in four receptions for 62 yards. Penn State is hoping for a different outcome after losing to Michigan 28-16. Chris Godwin had a quality performance for the Nittany Lions, grabbing three receptions for 51 yards.
The odds between the Spartans and the Nittany Lions are even this week, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available.
Even with a positive Straight Up (SU) record of 10-1, the Spartans have not been an excellent bet so far this year, going 4-7 Against The Spread (ATS). In their five most recent matchups, the Spartans went 4-1 for both SU and ATS. Penn State’s offense will need to use all of its options against the 15th-ranked Spartans run defense, which gives up 117.8 rushing yards per game. The Nittany Lions will have to keep Michigan State from hitting their quarterback. The Spartans average the 18th-most sacks in the nation with 2.7 per game. With the 21st-highest time of possession per game at 33:19, expect Michigan State to control the clock this week.
As for their opponent, the Nittany Lions haven’t fared well ATS, sitting at 4-7. However, they are 7-4 SU this season. Over their last five games, the Nittany Lions have a SU record of 2-3 and a 1-4 record ATS for those betting with them. Penn State is a terrifying group for opposing offenses. The Nittany Lions give up just 167.8 yards per game through the air, seventh in the nation.
Predictions: SU Winner – Penn State, ATS Winner – Penn State
Notes
Michigan State is 14-1 SU in its last 15 games.
Michigan State is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home.
Michigan State is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Michigan State’s last 7 games at home.
Michigan State is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing Penn State.
The total has gone OVER in 13 of Michigan State’s last 16 games when playing Penn State.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Michigan State’s last 7 games when playing at home against Penn State.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Penn State’s last 7 games when playing on the road against Michigan State.
Penn State is 6-0 SU when leading at the start of the 4th quarter this season. Michigan State is 8-1 SU when leading after three quarters.
The Michigan State defense has forced an average of 2.0 turnovers over its last five games, but Penn State is 2-1 SU this season when turning the ball over at least 2.0 times in a game.
The Michigan State passing attack is ranked only 51st in the country, while the Penn State pass defense is ranked seventh. The Nittany Lions passing game is ranked just 89th, compared to the 68th-ranked pass defense of the Spartans.
